The Duchess dazzled in a sweeping teal gown, with a plunging neckline at the front and a sheer lace bodice visible at the back

Kate Middleton really let her down at a star-studded gala dinner tonight - by pinning her hair up.

The Duchess dazzled in a sweeping teal gown, with a plunging neckline at the front and a sheer lace bodice visible at the back.

Due to the intricate detail on the dress, by one of her favourite designers Jenny Packham, she had to plait her usual flowing locks.

At the Our Greatest Team Rises event, celebrating the country's Olympic and Paralympic athletes, she accessorised with a clutch bag and drop earrings and Jimmy Choo vamp shoes.

Kate was accompanied by husband William in a smart dinner suit and black tie to the Royal Albert Hall in London as banks of photographers shouted for their attention.

The Duke joked in a speech later at the gala that "there were London pigeons with more athletic prowess" than him but said he "simply can't wait for the Games to begin.

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Banks of photographers: Kate steps on to the red carpet
Greeting: Kate and William arrive at the Royal Albert Hall

They were greeted by Lord Moynihan, chairman of the British Olympic Association, before attending a pre-dinner reception to meet gold medal winners and Team GB ambassadors, including Sir Steve Redgrave, Dame Kelly Holmes and Denise Lewis.

Sir Steve said: "Over the last few years they've been top of the world's publicity so having their support really makes a big difference."

He added that he visited the Olympic Park last week and was impressed by the experience.

"There was a good buzz, there was a good atmosphere just generally walking around the park," he said.

Tonight's event, named Our Greatest Team Rises, features Gary Barlow, Will Young and Alfie Boe performing in honour of the sportsmen and women.

William and Kate took their seats in the audience alongside skeleton gold medallist Amy Williams and former sprint hurdler Colin Jackson.

Former Spice Girl Mel C who is "artist chair" of Party to 2012 - a series of official events celebrating the UK's Olympians - was also at the gala.

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Supportive: Kate and William are Olympic ambassadors

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Back view: The sheer lace design

Presenter Davina McCall and comic John Bishop were hosting the event, with a menu created by Michelin-starred chef Simon Hulstone.

William and Kate, along with Prince Harry, are ambassadors for Team GB and ParalympicsGB, and are playing an active role encouraging the public to support the country's athletes.

They will welcome the Olympic Torch relay to Buckingham Palace on July 26, the day before the Games' opening ceremony, and watch as three torchbearers carry the flame through the grounds of the palace.

The Olympic flame was lit in Olympia, Greece yesterday, as the final stages of the countdown for the London Games begin.

The Duke said in a speech that he could only imagine how it would feel to compete in the Games and told British competitors: "Glory awaits you".

He said: "For the athletes of Our Greatest Team, these Games mark the pinnacle of your sporting careers.

"I can only imagine it, competing at home in front of your countrymen and women, with the eyes of the entire world upon you. A dream come true.

"For all of us mere mortals, and I include my brother, who still drones on about beating Usain Bolt - which never counted because it was a false start - this is a lifetime opportunity.

"We will witness an exceptional moment in our island history. The mood in London will be electric, ecstatic and amazing. I simply can't wait."

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Accessories: Kate wore drop earrings and Jimmy Choos
Catwalk to red carpet: The dress in the Jenny Packham SS12 collection and how it looks worn

He joked that he had been invited to take part in the Games, but said London 2012 chief Lord Coe did not have enough faith in him.

"Naturally I was asked to compete for Team GB in every sport, but sadly Lord Coe said there were London pigeons with more athletic prowess than me," he said.

"Anyway, to adapt a famous phrase from Sir Steve Redgrave, if you see me in a pair of Speedos by the swimming pool during the Olympics, shoot me!"

The Duke said that London should take "huge pride" in becoming the only city to host the Games three times.

He added: "The values celebrated by the Olympic and Paralympic Games - friendship, excellence, respect, equality, courage, determination, inspiration - resonate across every walk of life, and in every circumstance.

"These Games remind us of the power of the human spirit and human endeavour.

"You, our Olympians and Paralympians, will inspire people up and down this country, and far beyond its borders."